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queenoffirestone's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Addie is a cute but formidable young student and I'm wary of discussing good/bad autism representation because the lower support needs autistic community usually dismisses people on a different part of the spectrum when praising characters like them for being good representation but Addie is both like them and good representation.
This story has good messages about standing up for yourself, enforcing boundaries, and how to handle situations. It does get dark but in a way that I think only stands out to people who already understand that darkness so I think this is a great book for adults and any struggling preteen neurodivergent people you might know alike. I can almost guarantee you they already know about anxiety and trying to fit in.
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Toxic friendship
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Torture
skylarkblue1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Love that kids have books like these nowadays, and despite the fact I've not watched it yet it's so delightful to know the BBC have seemingly also given it so much support!
The story is quite simple and to-the-point. Addie - who's autistic - learns about witch trials that happened in her town and it effects her a lot more than anyone realised. She sees herself in the so-called "witches" and the bigotry she faces in the modern day just for being autistic. So, she fights for a memorial plaque to apologise to the women who lost their lives and to never let them be forgotten.
Naturally, absolutely wonderful representation. The contrast between adult autism and child autism and showing absolutely for sure that it is not something you grow out of and the harm behind that misconception is critically important.
This book tackles masking, burnouts and meltdowns, ableism of multiple forms and even forced institutionalisation of autistic people. It does get heavy, but it gets very real and all the problems are very real problems us autistic people face.
It's also about joy and family, finding good friends and standing up for yourself and what you really believe in. It's a happy story overall I would say, the negativity doesn't define Addie or her sister Keedie.
Just a note about something mentioned in the ending though, not all neurodiverse people are autistic!!! The opposite of autistic is allistic! Neurodiversity isn't a direct substitute for autistic, autism is just under the neurodiverse umbrella!!!
Also as a note for " Are the flaws of the main character(s) a main focus of the book? " and people saying yes to it, autism is not a flaw. The flaws are from the other characters around her and their bigoted beliefs. Autism is a part of Addie and always will be - it is not a choice, nor something that can be changed - it is not a flaw.
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Ableist Slurs, Autistic Meltdowns & Burnout.nica_chan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
_p0ssum_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
heathermarie08's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Bullying
myarae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Physical abuse
black_flamed_candle_b00ks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“Those people weren't magic. They were like me. Different like me. I'm autistic. I see things that others do not. I hear sounds that they can ignore. And sometimes I feel things all at once. I think about the witches, with no one to speak for them. Not everyone in our small town understands. But if I keep trying, maybe someone will. I won't let the witches be forgotten. Because there is more to their story. Just like there is more to mine.” ♾️
I absolutely loved this book! I loved the autistic representation of not only the main character but her sister too. I loved representation of special interests! Addie’s main special interest that was featured was the witch trials, which I could relate to, as I’m autistic too and one of my special interests is witchcraft. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed how it was narrated. A really great middle-grade novel with accurate autism representation and written really well. Also I love how the author is autistic too, as the novel comes across more personalised and realistic. I recommend this book all the time and it’s one of my new favourite books ever! 5 stars! ⭐️
Moderate: Ableism and Bullying
vikkisgrotto's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
themelodyofspring's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gaslighting
rivercat0338's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death, Torture, and Forced institutionalization